Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Paul McCartney To Release The McCartney Years DVD Set

For all you Beatles, Wings and Paul McCartney solo career fans, on November 13th, 2007, 'THE McCARTNEY YEARS' will hit the stores from MPL/Rhino Entertainment. This first time ever DVD includes the definitive visual collection of Paul McCartney's amazing career featuring solo music videos, career-spanning live performances, personal commentary by Paul McCartney and exclusive footage that tracks his incredible musical journey as never before.

Spanning four decades, 'THE McCARTNEY YEARS' is a three volume DVD collection, featuring some of the world's best-loved music that has become the soundtrack to all our lives.

Check out this promotional video of Paul McCartney talking about this collection!

Country Legend Porter Wagonder Dies At Age 80

By Randy Lewis, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
October 29, 2007
Porter Wagoner, the blond pompadoured, rhinestone-encrusted personification of Nashville tradition, host of the longest-running country-music variety show in TV history and mentor to Dolly Parton, died Sunday night of lung cancer. He was 80.

Wagoner died at a hospice in Nashville, according to an announcement on the Grand Ole Opry's website.

Parton recently went to a Nashville hospital to visit the man who inspired her best-known song, "I Will Always Love You," after their acrimonious career split in the mid-1970s.

She described him then as very weak, but said Wagoner "had his wits and joked around," and she vowed she would sing with him again at the Grand Ole Opry when he was ready. Wagoner was released from the hospital Friday and transferred to hospice care.

A little more than a year ago, Wagoner had been seriously ill after suffering an intestinal aneurysm, but defied a dire medical prognosis and recovered sufficiently to mount a career comeback that led to appearances last summer on "The Late Show With David Letterman" and an opening slot at Madison Square Garden with upstart rock band the White Stripes, whose members are ardent Wagoner fans.

Country singer and songwriter Marty Stuart, a generation younger than Wagoner, coaxed his childhood idol into a recording studio last winter to record a new album, "The Wagonmaster." The recording brought Wagoner renewed attention, some of the best reviews of his career and created a new cachet among fans who are yet another generation younger than Stuart. The album also is expected to garner Wagoner at least one Grammy Award nomination from members of an industry that has long favored rewarding veterans who successfully reignite their careers.

When Wagoner performed in Los Angeles in June in conjunction with the album's release, it wasn't at an old-line country-music club, but at the trendy Safari Sam's nightclub on the edge of Silver Lake and Hollywood. Performing in one of his signature jewel-laden western suits and dazzling silver cowboy boots, he was cheered by fans young enough to be his grandchildren -- and called it one of the biggest thrills of his life.

This year he also celebrated his 50th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry cast. He returned to the country-music institution in March after recuperating from the aneurysm and resumed his role as one of the organization's most recognizable stars.

Over a period of nearly 40 years, Wagoner placed 81 songs on the country-music chart, 19 of those duets with Parton, who joined his show in 1967 as a replacement for his first female co-star, Norman Jean. Wagoner and Parton were named country group and country duo of the year in 1970 and 1971 by the Country Music Assn.

Wagoner's music often told dark tales of desperate people in stark terms that placed him in the gothic tradition of country music. This was best exemplified in his 1971 recording "The Rubber Room," a song about a man wrestling with the dark side of his psyche. "The Cold Hard Facts of Life," a 1967 hit, recounted the tale of a husband returning home early from a business trip to find his wife in the arms of another man. Without directly describing the outcome, the song ends with the husband sitting in his cell on death row, asking himself, "Who taught who the cold hard facts of life?"

Porter Wagoner was born Aug. 12, 1927, in West Plains, Mo. He grew up helping out on the family farm, but when he wasn't busy with farm chores he would spend hours standing on the trunk of a felled oak tree pretending he was host of the Grand Ole Opry, which he listened to religiously on the radio.

Once a neighboring farmer stumbled on the young man mimicking his act and asked what he was doing. When Wagoner told him of his dream to be an Opry star one day, the farmer told him, "You're as close to the Grand Ole Opry as you'll ever get. You'll be looking these mules in the rear end when you're 65."

Recalling that incident backstage at the Opry earlier this year, Wagoner, who was surrounded in his kingly dressing room by photos showing him with hundreds of celebrity well-wishers who had joined him on the show over the years, just smiled and said with a gentle laugh, "I wish I could see him now."

He got his first guitar from his older brother, Glenn, whose death before age 20 from a heart ailment hit Wagoner hard. He became determined to carry on his brother's love for music. Working at a department store in West Plains, Wagoner was hired by the owner to sing on a radio show he sponsored.

His initial attempts at a recording career were less than stellar, as Wagoner simply attempted to copy the sound of his idol, Hank Williams. But he quickly realized that his only chance at a meaningful life in music was to be himself.

He wrote and recorded "A Satisfied Mind," a song that discounts the rewards of the material world in favor of the facets of life that lead to peace of mind. It took him to the top of the country chart in 1955 for the first time and remained his biggest hit.

He sang with an unadorned, everyman voice, not the booming bass-baritone of a Johnny Cash, the jazz-inflected acrobatics of Willie Nelson or the bluegrass-steeped purity of a Vince Gill.

"I don't try to show off a so-called beautiful voice, because I don't feel my voice is beautiful," Wagoner once said. "I believe there is a different kind of beauty, the beauty of being honest, of being yourself, of singing like you feel it."


He reached the No. 1 spot two more times, in 1962 with "Misery Loves Company," and a dozen years later with "Please Don't Stop Loving Me," a duet with Parton.

More than his own music, Wagoner's greatest legacy was his syndicated TV series, "The Porter Wagoner Show," which ran from 1960 to 1979.

When Parton left his TV show to launch a solo career that made her one of country's biggest stars, Wagoner felt betrayed; meanwhile, she felt he had exploited her songwriting talent for his own benefit. Wagoner sued her, but they eventually settled the lawsuit and reconciled.

Part of the settlement was that Parton agreed to record another album with Wagoner during the height of her own success in the late 1970s and early '80s. The session yielded a pair of hits, "Making Plans" and "If You Go, I'll Follow You," but failed to substantially revive Wagoner as a hit-maker.

Parton acknowledged writing "I Will Always Love You" as a peace offering to Wagoner, but she said it took him years to understand its message. The song was a hit for her three separate times -- when it was released in 1974, as a remake for the 1982 movie "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and in 1995 as a duet with Vince Gill. It became an international pop smash when Whitney Houston recorded it in 1992.

Wagoner's old-school country style fell out of favor with Nashville, except for his role at the Opry, as country moved on in the '80s to younger, more pop-music minded stars such as Alabama. But Wagoner never relinquished his love for flashy Nudie Cohn-designed outfits.

At his Safari Sam's performance in June, Stuart, who led his backing band, quipped that "they should rename Lankershim as Porter Wagoner Boulevard" for his undying patronage of the veteran North Hollywood western-wear designer.

Marty Stuart, who spent time as a member of Johnny Cash's band in the '80s before launching a successful career of his own, grew up in Mississippi watching Wagoner's TV show every Saturday afternoon with his father.

The album they recorded together, "The Wagonmaster," resuscitated some of Wagoner's old songs and added a few new ones.

Funeral services were pending.

Wagoner's survivors include a son, Richard; and two daughters, Denise and Debra.

Robert Goulet Dead At 73

By Arthur Spiegelman

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Singer-actor Robert Goulet, whose rich baritone voice made him an instant success when he played Lancelot in the original 1960 Broadway hit "Camelot," died on Tuesday at age 73.

The performer, who suffered from the lung disease pulmonary fibrosis, died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was awaiting a decision on whether he could receive a lung transplant, his wife, Vera Goulet, told Reuters.

His physician, Dr. David Kipper, said Goulet failed to meet the criteria for the operation and died surrounded by his family.

Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts of French-Canadian parents, Goulet moved to Canada when he was an infant and began singing as a young child, though he had to overcome a severe case of stage fright to make it in show business.

Known for his powerful baritone, handsome chiseled features and self-deprecating sense of humor, Goulet gained attention in later years for a series of TV commercials and guest spots lampooning his own earlier image as a stage idol.

Goulet started out in Canadian television and stage roles during the 1950s. His big break came when the musical team of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe chose him to play Lancelot in "Camelot," which also starred Richard Burton and Julie Andrews.

In addition to the show-stopping song "If Ever I Would Leave You" from "Camelot," Goulet scored a hit with his version of "The Impossible Dream" from his turn as Don Quixote on Broadway in "Man of La Mancha."

Two years after his Broadway debut in "Camelot," Goulet won a Grammy in 1962 as best new recording artist, having released three albums that year. He earned a Tony Award as best actor in 1968 for his role in Broadway's "The Happy Time."

Recording more than 60 albums in all, Goulet became a popular Las Vegas attraction and fixture on television variety shows, including 17 appearances on the "The Ed Sullivan Show," where he was introduced as "The American singer from Canada."

He also performed in such musical productions over the years as "Carousel," "Finian's Rainbow," and "The Pajama Game." In revivals of "Camelot" in the 1990s, he played King Arthur.

His film credits included "Atlantic City," "Beetle Juice," "Scrooged" and the computer-animated "Toy Story II."

Born on November 26 1933, Goulet began singing when he was 5 at family gatherings. But according to his Web site, the sound of applause frightened him and for many years he was terrified of performing. At age 11, two nuns at his school ordered Goulet to sing at a church function and when he refused, one of them grabbed him by the hair and said, "Yes, you are."

He did and after the show, his father told him how proud he was of him and urged him to continue singing.

His first professional appearance was at 16 with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. After a two-year stint as a radio announcer, he was awarded a singing scholarship to the Royal Conservatory of Music at the University of Toronto.

Goulet, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1993, had three children from his three marriages, including one with actress-singer Carol Lawrence.

In a recent interview with Reuters, Vera Goulet said her husband was under sedation while awaiting a decision on a lung transplant that never came.

"His life is hanging on the edge, but he is a very strong man," she said last week. "He is being kept sedated because he is on a respirator and if he wasn't, he might try to rip it out.

"It is hard to watch him like that. I can't tell you how much I want to see his smile and hear his booming voice again," she said.

Monday, October 29, 2007

The Spinners - Voice Your Choice

The Spinners, at one time in their career, were signed to Motown Records and appeared on their V.I.P. label for the Top Twenty hit It's A Shame. They were from Detroit, Michigan and were discovered by Harvey Fuqua, the producer and lead singer of The Moonglows.

In 1972 The Spinners switched over to Atlantic Records and their career took off, attaining 7 Top Ten hits and 7 Gold Records between 1972 and 1980.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice presents The Spinners with one Motown and one Atlantic hit from each label for your votes: It's A Shame and I'll Be Around. Which song do you prefer?

Come to the Voice Your Choice page and cast your vote. We'll play the winning song in Hour 3 of this coming week's show.

Thriller - Halloween Song of the Week

In celebration of Halloween, the Treasure Island Oldies Song of the Week is the classic Thriller by Michael Jackson, the title song from the biggest selling album of all time!

Happy Halloween...Enjoy!
"Count" Michael

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Halloween Spooktacular - Live Show

Boooooooooooooo! Freaks and Ghouls, just a reminder to be sure to join us for the Treasure Island Oldies 11th Annual Halloween Spooktacular. We'll be Live from the Crypt TONIGHT starting at 6 p.m. Pacific, 9 p.m. Eastern.

The Crypt is now open for you to explore. Go ahead, poke around a bit...if you dare!! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaaaaahhhhhhooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Robert Goulet In Hospital Awaiting Lung Transplant

By The Associated Press


LAS VEGAS - Singer and actor Robert Goulet is heavily sedated and breathing through a respirator in a Los Angeles hospital while he awaits a lung transplant, his wife says.

Vera Goulet says doctors told her lung transplants are the most successful operation of any transplant, with a success rate of 88 per cent.

She says a suitable donor has yet to be found.

His wife says the 73-year-old singer fell ill when flying home to Las Vegas after performing at a September 20 concert in Syracuse, New York.

She says doctors initially assumed it was some kind of virus but he grew weaker until he had to be rushed to the hospital 10 days later.

Goulet was diagnosed with a form of pulmonary fibrosis that his official website describes as a rapidly progressive and fatal condition.

He was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles as a transplant patient Oct. 13.

"He can hear me but he can't respond," Vera Goulet said.

"God willing, if we proceed with this, our doctors feel that there's no reason he will not have at least 15 years of life doing what he does, going back on stage and singing," she said.

"That's very encouraging."

Speaking by phone from the hospital, Vera Goulet said doctors inserted a breathing tube down her husband's throat and sedated him and they were last able to speak two weeks ago.

"He said: 'Just give me a new pair of lungs and I'll hit the high notes until I'm 100,"' she said.

"I told him I loved him. He told me he loves me."

"He was ready to have the tube inserted. And he said: 'Just watch my vocal cords."'

The couple's 25th wedding anniversary was Oct. 17.

Meanwhile, she said, fans and performers have been calling and e-mailing from around the world, including comedian Jerry Lewis, actress Suzanne Somers and singer Harry Connick Jr.

"Tony Orlando called and said: 'Give him a punch in the stomach for me,"' she said.

Goulet, born to Canadian parents in Lawrence, Mass., has won acclaim for a Broadway career that took off after his debut performance as Sir Lancelot in "Camelot" in 1960. Goulet's multiple appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show" helped make him a star.

Goulet won a Grammy Award in 1962 for Best New Artist and a Tony Award in 1968 for his role in "The Happy Time."

Over the years, Goulet continued to perform onstage.

His illness forced the cancellation of planned performances in Denver and a commercial TV shoot, Vera Goulet said.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Treasure Island Oldies Halloween Spooktacular

Just a reminder to be sure to be part of the 11th Annual Halloween Spooktacular next week on Treasure Island Oldies. Join us in the Crypt for this special edition of the show and also remember to visit the website, there'll be a special Halloween section!!!

The fear starts at 6 p.m. Pacific time and will continue for either four hours or until you faint from fear! :-) And come 'hang out' in the Bat Cave, otherwise known as the Chat Room. We'll have lots of Treats for you, and maybe a few Tricks as well. See you next week! Aaaaaoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Michael Godin's Surprise Studio Visit

I was getting ready with the last minute final preparations in the studio for this week's show when a technical producer from our network, Mediaontap, asked me if I was expecting any visitors. I replied no I wasn't. A few moments later, into the studio walked two good friends and regular listeners and members of the Chat Room, Matt and MrsMatt from Vancouver. They came to surprise me and wish me a Happy Birthday. Not only that, but they also brought a very funny birthday card as well as a delicious chocolate birthday cake with a candle that said "Over the Hill - Too Old to Count". They even brought plates, forks and napkins. Talk about being organized!! LOL I was so surprised. Was was even more surprising was that all the regular "Nuts in the Hut" (or the Chat Room ) had known about this a week ago. They had secretly been talking among themselves that this surprise was going to happen.

MrsMatt took a few pictures that she sent to me later after they had gone home to listen to the show. I would like to share those shots with you.

Thanks again, Matt and MrsMatt, you sure surprised me!






Voice Your Choice Pre-empted for Halloween Spooktacular Special

Just a note to let you know that due to our 11th Annual Halloween Spooktacular taking place next week on the show, we will not have the Voice Your Choice feature. It will return November 4th with The Spnners.

Halloween Music: Witch Queen Of New Orleans - Redbone

Redbone were described as a Native American "swamp rock" group from Los Angeles who recorded a few hit songs. To get you in the mood for Halloween next week, our Song of the Week is a clip of Redbone performing their classic hit Witch Queen Of New Orleans.

Enjoy!
Michael


Friday, October 19, 2007

Paul Anka - Not A Lonely Boy After 50 Years In Show Business

Paul Anka, is not only NOT a Lonely Boy, but he is is extremely successful after 50 years in show business.

By John Rogers, The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES - Paul Anka has written an inordinate amount of pop music classics, cranking out hit songs like "My Way" for Frank Sinatra, "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" for Buddy Holly, saving "Lonely Boy," "Put Your Head on My Shoulder," "Puppy Love" and others for himself - not bad for a guy who arrived on the music scene in 1956 with a not-quite-as-catchy tune about a place called Blaauwildebeestefontein.

Anka, who's marking his 50th year in show business, actually tried to break into the business 51 years ago.

"A lot of people don't know I came to L.A. the prior year to visit an uncle," the 66-year-old Ottawa-born singer-songwriter recalled recently as he was putting the finishing touches on his anniversary album, the just-released "Classic Songs My Way."

Still a high school student, Anka had brought with him the book "Prester John" by John Buchan, a former Canadian governor general.

"The premise of it took place in Africa," he recalled. "There was a town called Blaauwildebeestefontein. I loved the title, so I hitchhiked to Culver City and made a record of it."

The result?

"I was a failure at 15," Anka laughed.

Fortunately for him, Sinatra, Johnny Carson (Anka wrote Carson's "The Tonight Show" theme) and pop music in general, he headed to New York the following year. This time he brought with him a more traditional song about a 16-year-old's unrequited love for an older woman.

"Diana" became a No. 1 hit and turned a short kid whose voice hadn't quite matured into an overnight teen idol.

Fifty years later, he's still short but the voice is deeper and richer and the '50s-style pop star pompadour is gone, having surrendered to a slightly receding hairline.

Anka is also still writing songs, still recording and touring, and still occasionally discovering the latest new thing. When urban folk music had a renaissance in the 1970s, he found John Prine and Steve Goodman in Chicago. When pop crooners came back into style earlier this decade, he discovered fellow Canadian Michael Buble and helped produce his first album.

But Anka is especially proud that, no matter what the current trend, he's placed a Billboard Top 50 hit on the charts in every decade of his career.

"We'll talk again in 2010," he jokes during a recording studio break. "I've got one decade left."

Or maybe two.

"When I'm in a studio I wish everybody could get off on it like I do," he says. "It's such a great occupation, I don't want to retire.

"Oh, I'll slow down a little," he adds. "But to totally retire? It ain't gonna happen. I'm too good at what I do, whereas I wasn't years ago."

Teresa Brewer - Music Music Music - Dead at Age 76

Sad news to pass on to you. Teresa Brewer, beloved by many for her great voice, talent and energy, has died. Here is the full story from the LA Times.

By Valerie J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
October 19, 2007
Teresa Brewer, a singer who found fame as a novelty vocalist in 1950 with the chart-topping "Music! Music! Music!" but reinvented herself as a jazz stylist who performed with some of the genre's biggest names, has died. She was 76.

Brewer died of a neuromuscular disease Wednesday at her home in New Rochelle, N.Y., said Bill Munroe, a family spokesman.

Ed Sullivan introduced her as "the little girl with the big voice" when she was a regular on his television show, and the petite 100-pounder sang her way through the 1950s with a string of successful recordings that included another No. 1 hit, the sentimental ballad "Till I Waltz Again With You," which reportedly sold more than 1 million copies.

With rock 'n' roll changing the pop landscape -- and four daughters to raise -- Brewer pulled back from performing in the 1960s to focus on her family.

"One time she said her children were her biggest hits," Munroe told The Times on Thursday. "She was very down-to-earth, not pretentious at all, very charming and quick-witted."

After marrying her second husband -- jazz producer Bob Thiele -- she segued into jazz in the 1970s and became known for recording with such legends as Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie.

At her best, Brewer could "swing with a loose and easy fervor, aided greatly by the distinguished company" she kept, Richard S. Ginell wrote of her jazz performances in the All Music Internet database.

She was born Theresa Breuer on May 7, 1931, in Toledo, Ohio, the eldest of five children of a glass inspector for the Libby Owens Co. and his homemaker wife.

At 2, Brewer made her public debut singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" on a children's radio program in Toledo. She was paid in cupcakes and cookies from the show's sponsor.

Three years later, she won a competition that led to appearances on the popular radio talent show "Major Bowes Amateur Hour." She spent the next seven years touring with a Bowes' troupe.

When she was 12, her parents insisted that she return to Toledo to concentrate on school, but as a high school junior, Brewer dropped out. She headed to New York City and performed in several talent shows that led to her first recording contract.

By then, she had slightly altered the spelling of her first and last names because "it was easier to read in marquee lights," according to a 1980 Toledo magazine story.

She soon was married and recording such 1950s hits as "Jilted," "Ricochet" and the blues ballad "Pledging My Love." She once estimated that she had made 300 records by the mid-1960s.

For decades, she also regularly performed in Las Vegas and on the national nightclub circuit.

Cast in the 1953 film "Those Redheads From Seattle," Brewer dyed her blond hair but turned down Paramount's offer of a long-term contract, according to the biography on her website. She wanted to remain on the East Coast with her family and build a part-time singing career from there.

In 1972, Brewer was divorced from Bill Monahan and married Thiele, who produced some of her early hits. He also wrote Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," which Brewer recorded. Thiele died in 1996.

Brewer continued performing and recording into the early 1990s.

The high-pitched voice that could easily go from a squeak to a roar became smoother with age, and critics noted that Brewer embraced jazz with the same vocal exuberance she had displayed in the 1950s.

"I always liked her because she had laughter and the sound of rippling water in her voice," said Jim Dawson, an author of pop music books. "Listening to Teresa Brewer, you couldn't be sad for long."

Brewer is survived by four daughters, Kathleen, Susan, Megan and Michelle; a brother, Henry; four grandsons; and five great-grandchildren.

valerie.nelson@latimes.com

There'll be Dancing In The Street


This is exciting news for Motown fans!
Michael

Detroit Street Named After Motown Legend

by The Associated Press
October 18, 2007

Detroit -- A section of the street where the Motown
sound originated has been renamed for Berry Gordy
Jr., the music label's legendary founder. The Detroit
City Council unanimously voted to give a section of
West Grand Boulevard the name, Berry Gordy Jr.
Boulevard, Councilwoman Martha Reeves said Wednesday
in a statement. Berry Gordy Jr. Boulevard will
stretch west from the John C. Lodge freeway to Grand
River Avenue. It includes the block where ''Hitsville
USA,'' Gordy's former home and Motown recording
studio, stands. A dedication ceremony was planned
Friday. ''This is a dream come true for me, to
succeed in a venture that has been in my heart since
my days at Motown,'' said Reeves, an original member
of the Motown group, Martha and the Vandellas.
Motown produced music icons such as Stevie Wonder,
Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Miracles, Four Tops,
Temptations and the Jackson Five.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Treasure Island Oldies Halloween Spooktacular



Freaks and Ghouls, be sure to mark your calendars for October 28, the date for the 11th Annual Treasure Island Oldies Halloween Spooktacular. This is one of the most popular shows of the year , as indicated by you the listener.

Join us from the 'crypt', Live, or should I say DEAD, Sunday, October 28 from 6 to 1`0 p.m. Pacific time at Treasure Island Oldies.

Count Michael

Del Shannon - Song Of The Week


Del Shannon had his debut single climb all the way to the top of the chart, remain at #1 for four weeks and become a Gold Record. What a way to launch a career! This week our Treasure Island Oldies Song of the Week is a clip of that great debut single, Runaway.

Enjoy!
Michael

Andy Kim - Voice Your Choice


Andy Kim was born Androwis Jovakim December 5, 1952 in Montreal, Quebec. As a songwriter, Andy teamed up with Jeff Barry to co-write four out of the six hits for The Archies, including Sugar Sugar, a Number One song that remained at the top of the chart for one month and which also became a Gold record.

I first got to know Andy around 1970 when we were both still in Montreal and I was working at CFCF Radio, and we have remained friends ever since. He was a guest on my show last year and we had a wonderful time reminiscing and playing his new single, I Forgot To Mention, which he co-produced with Ed Robertson of the Bare Naked Ladies.

It's a pleasure for me to have Andy Kim in the Voice Your Choice spotlight this week on Treasure Island Oldies. Cast your vote for the song you prefer: Baby I Love You or Be My Baby.

Come to the Voice Your Choice page and make your selection. We'll play the winning song in Hour 3 of next week's show.

Monday, October 08, 2007

Mitch Ryder And The Detroit Wheels - Voice Your Choice


Mitch Ryder was born William Levise on February 26, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan. The Detroit Wheels consisted of Jim McCarty and Joe Cubert (guitars), Earl Elliott (bass) and John Badanjek (drums). Their success stemmed from taking classic Rock & Roll songs and turning them into a medley, and in many cases, they sure cranked up the juice!

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice presents two Top Ten hits by Mitch Ryder And The Detroit Wheels for your votes: Jenny Take A Ride! (a medley of Little Richard's Jenny, Jenny and C.C. Rider by Chuck Willis) and Sock It To Be - Baby! (an expression made famous on the TV show Laugh In).

What song do you prefer? Come to the Voice Your Choice page and cast your vote. We'll play the song with the majority of votes in Hour 3 of next week's show.

Chubby Checker - Song Of The Week


Chubby Checker had over one dozen dance hits at the height of his career including this Top Ten song: The Fly, our Song of the Week.

Enjoy!

Michael

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Young Rascals - Voice Your Choice

The Young Rascals were a "Blue-eyed Soul" group from New York City and the original group consisted of Felix Cavaliere (vocals and organ), Gene Cornish (vocals and guitar), Eddie Brigati (vocals, percussion) and Dino Danelli (drums). Felix, Gene and Eddie had all been members of Joey Dee and The Starliters (remember The Peppermint Twist?). The famous Sid Bernstein signed them to Atlantic Records and their debut single, I Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore became a minor hit, peaking at #52 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. But that was just the beginning.

Between 1966 and 1971, they had 18 singles on the charts including 5 Top Ten hits and 3 Gold Records. In 1968 they removed "Young" and re-named themselves The Rascals. They were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1997.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights The Rascals with two of their much-loved hits: A Girl Like You and How Can I Be Sure, both Top Ten smashes.

This is going to be another week of some difficult decision making by you before we find out the results of the votes. Come to the Voice Your Choice page and cast your vote. We'll play the winning song in Hour 3 of next week's show.

Booker T. & The MGs - Song Of The Week


We all know Green Onions by Booker T. & The MGs practically by heart. The recording session for that song is quite amazing and it became one of the greatest instrumentals of all time. I came across a live performance of the song by the original band members and was blown away with how well and tight they still were years after the original version was recorded for Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee.

Our Song of the Week is a tremendous live performance of Green Onions by Booker T. & The MGs. You'll note that they received a standing ovation as they were being introduced and before they even played a note.

Enjoy!

Michael